Reds-Case (if money were no object) | $52/bottle (Iron Bridge) or $40/bottle (Total Wine – but without the Iron Bridge’s excellent beef tenderloin) | Iron Bridge | Total Wine | This has been a consistent favorite of mine. Used to be from Orin Swift but I’m told it was sold—it’s still a great wine though. Wine Advocate (90 points) says “Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a big, peppery, meaty, Rhone-like bouquet with hints of bay leaf, unsmoked cigar tobacco, black currants and sweet jammy cherries.” I’ll go along with that!
Cougar Crest Viognier
Whites-Bottle | $27 | Iron Bridge Wine Company | Cougar Crest has chosen Viognier as their signature white wine. It is the only white grape in their estate vineyards. They chose it for its unique heady aromas, rich mouth feel and the fact that it is so different from Chardonnay! Floral, citrus, and melon aromas tempt the nose, and pear, peach and tropical flavors please the palate. A smooth honey-like finish gives depth and length to a wine that can be sipped by itself but also pair very well with food, such as seared scallops.
WINE AWARDS:
91 Points Wine Spectator
Gold San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Cougar Crest Dedication 7 2010
Reds-Bottle | $25 | Iron Bridge Wine Company | Red blend, Merlot-Syrah-Cab-Petit Verdot – Cougar Crest Winery’s seventh release of Dedication is a blend of four varietals; 50% Merlot, 29% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Lush, ripe plums, red currants, black cherries, and a hint of dried roses and herbs on the nose are balanced by acidity and tannins that are smooth and graceful, not overbearing. Rich on the palate and long on the finish, the overall effect shows balance and finesse, a hallmark of Cougar Crest wines. A deeply satisfying wine that is versatile and can be paired with bold, smoky meats, grilled chicken or salmon, lamb stew, or pizza. Enjoy!
WINE AWARDS:
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90 Points Wine Spectator
Double Gold Indy International Wine Competition
Paul Mas 2012 Clos des Mures
Reds-Bottle | $25 | Iron Bridge Wine Company | Winemaker’s Notes: Color: intense and bright purple violet with garnet tints. Nose: Complex with blackcurrants, violet, blackberries, turning to cacao and spices. Palate: well balanced and smooth tannins, full bodied. Strong fruity characters with a long finish evolving towards liquorice and toasted notes. Cellaring: Over 10 years if kept in good conditions at 16/17°C. Food pairing: enjoy at 17 to 18°C with grilled red meat, lamb stew, chicken dishes, and game and soft flavor cheeses.
Laurence and Philippe Greiner Alsace Riesling
Whites-Case | $18 | Iron Bridge | Fantastic Riesling – yes, Riesling. Normally I think all Rieslings are sickly sweet dessert wines and I can’t stand trying to pronounce all the extra letters in the various types of Rieslings (and keep the differences straight), but just know that this one is a keeper. From Alsace (“Alsatian”) minerals, crisp, little lemon, little salt, and lots of acid to fight off the sweet – this should be your featured summer white.